As Coupang provided purchase vouchers (compensation coupons) as compensation for the personal information leak, an analysis said that for those joining the class-action lawsuit, the amount used on the purchase vouchers could be deducted later from any damages received.
Ha Hee-bong of Lopid Law Office, the attorney representing the Coupang class-action lawsuit, stated accordingly on the 16th via social media (SNS).
Attorney Ha said that people can still join the damages lawsuit even if they use the purchase vouchers. That is because there is no agreement not to sue in the terms and conditions.
After Coupang notified customers about issuing the purchase vouchers, concerns were raised about the possibility of a no-sue agreement. A no-sue agreement is a legal term meaning that the parties have reached an amicable settlement and will not raise any civil or criminal objections thereafter.
Ha added, however, that the final damages could be reduced by the amount spent using the purchase vouchers. Ha said, "The law has the principle of setoff of benefits," and noted, "If a victim suffered damage due to the incident but also obtained a benefit (compensation), that benefit is deducted when calculating the damages."
Ha continued, "For example, even if a court awards 100,000 won per person, if a person used a 50,000 won compensation coupon, there is a possibility they would receive only 50,000 won in damages after deducting that amount."
Ha said that while this could vary depending on the court's decision or Coupang's response, those who want a full cash payment would be better off refraining from using the purchase vouchers.
Ha said, "If you use Coupang frequently, it is fine to use the (purchase vouchers), thinking of it as receiving in advance the money you will get later," and added, "If you want cash compensation or do not use Coupang often, there is no need to spend on items you do not need, and it is more advantageous to receive the full award in cash later."
Starting the previous day, Coupang gave customers four types of purchase vouchers: ▲ 5,000 won for Coupang ▲ 5,000 won for the delivery platform Coupang Eats ▲ 20,000 won for the travel platform Coupang Travel ▲ 20,000 won for the luxury platform R.LUX. The vouchers are valid for three months.